The next time you wind up in the Associated Students of Portland State University office on the first floor of Smith Memorial Student Union, expect to see Administrative Director Eddie Hallman waiting at his desk close to the door.
Hallman might be at his post working on his latest assignment or possibly reading for class, but whenever someone steps into the office he jumps up out of seat and asks a simple but effective question: What do you need help with?
As administrative director Hallman is supposed to oversee the operations of the ASPSU office, which can be a daunting task considering the high traffic flow coming in and out. But Hallman handles this with ease.
“I’m a networker,” said Hallman, a senior biology major that typically sports a bright smile that matches his long flowing red hair. “That’s why I love this job so much.”
Keeping up with student government is just one of the demands on Hallman’s schedule. Like any student at Portland State, he has to find time for class and homework as well as mix in the extracurricular activities.
At one point Hallman thought about going into medicine, but he is now working on a degree in biology. While it seems he would make a good doctor, it is a more community-based kind of service that really interests him.
While Hallman is on pace to finish his major requirements this year, do not be surprised if you see him on campus next year. He might stick around for another year taking philosophy and education courses before putting his skills to use in the field.
Whenever Hallman finishes his schooling, he is going to be in search of some community-related action to get his hands dirty.
Hallman has an affinity for community building, and mentioned both Teach for America and the Peace Corps as potential outlets to satiate his hunger to assist in this area.
But, for the time being, Hallman is trying to utilize his skills to ensure things run smoothly in the ASPSU office. Anyone that calls the office home will admit that he is a major cog and the operation would not run the same without him.
State Affairs Director Zach Martinson is one of Hallman’s friends within student government. It was Martinson’s influence that led Hallman to become a student government representative.
Martinson and Hallman are old friends. When Hallman moved to Oregon City from Fredericksburg Va., it didn’t take long to fall in with Martinson. They finished high school together and both found their way to Portland State. And they’ll probably stay pretty close friends regardless of where they end up next.
Martinson describes Hallman as a “visionary” and raves about his work ethic, which Martinson attributes to Hallman’s father, who is a retired Marine.
“He’s going to be a leader,” Martinson said. “He’s going to be one of those people that define a movement.”
Until Hallman accomplishes something of that magnitude, expect a smile, wave and some friendly assistance, as he will remain the first face you see after opening the door to the ASPSU office.